This lesson explores the Arctic Convoys during World War II, focusing on their purpose, the challenges faced, and their impact. Students will learn about the significance of these convoys in supporting the USSR and the dangers involved. Activities include map work, analysing primary sources, a gallery walk, and writing a PEEKA paragraph. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the personal experiences of sailors through diary extracts. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss the concept of total war and the necessity of the Arctic Convoys. Define key terms: Lend-Lease, Arctic Convoys. Map Work: Complete the ‘Arctic Convoys’ map sheets, plotting the route from Britain to the Soviet Union. Why Were They Needed? Explain the importance of supplying the USSR after Hitler’s invasion. Discuss the Lend-Lease Act and its significance. Dangers of the Arctic Route: Identify and discuss the dangers: extreme weather, German U-Boats, aircraft, capital ships, and long daylight hours. Watch a video on Convoy PQ17 and discuss the outcomes. Gallery Walk: View images from the Arctic Convoys and write down three adjectives to describe the conditions seen. Diary Extracts: Read extracts from Ivor Davies’ diary. Complete a table identifying themes such as environmental challenges, duties on the ship, threats from the enemy, and isolation. Writing Task: Write a PEEKA paragraph on the most significant challenge faced by the sailors. Use sentence starters and provide detailed evidence. Class Discussion: Share and discuss the written paragraphs. Reflect on how these experiences shaped the relationship between the Allies and the USSR. Resources: Map sheets Video link on Convoy PQ17 Image gallery slides Diary extracts PEEKA paragraph guidelines and sentence starters From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills. To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website. Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount. Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store. Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you. Hope it helps. W

Key Question (s) : Why did the Second World War break out in 1939? Support questions : Was Hitler to blame for the Second World War? How successful was Appeasement? The main themes are the causes of the Second World War and the events between 1936 and 1939 that represented the road to war, with a focus on Appeasement in 1938. The main knowledge and understanding is provided by means of two Power Point presentations, 'The Road to War' (22 slides) and 'Appeasement' (13 slides) with YouTube clips and accompanying information sheets. Worksheets and Activity sheets are provided to cover the ability range. Assessment: an extended writing task to answer the question 'Was Hitler to blame for the Second World War?' and there are opportunities for assessing source handling skills and interpretation. Concepts: causation (long- and short-term, multi-causality, inter-connection of causes), chronology, empathy, historical significance, source analysis, interpretation; appeasement, treaty, alliance, pact, self-determination, Anschluss, lebensraum, compromise, conference, demilitarise, rearm, depression, dictator, public opinion.

A fully resourced lesson which looks at everything needed for a thorough study of Operation Barbarossa. Learning episodes are as follows: Molotov - Ribbentrop recap/discussion Key stats match up activity Video activity Guided Reading (Extended Reading Article with tools to break it down). Fortunes Graph - plot the events of the battle on a time/fortune graph to show the shift in the battle) Factors sort activity (two ways - long/short - Nazi/Soviet) Image source to factor match up activity. Writing Task - with structure plan, PEEL paragraph sentence starters and an example paragraph broken down and analysed. Focus on appositive sentences to improve literacy. Peer Assessment Extended task - blog reading Video plenary task. It has been used effectively in high schools over a number of years and I have recently updated it. Wolsey Academy, a non-profit resource provider, directs all profits to various charities, including refugee support, youth sports, educational programs, and carbon capture, achieving a carbon-negative status. Explore our site for resources and free history role-playing games loved by students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and for supporting our mission. Hope it helps.

This lesson is the first in a series of lessons on the Second World War aimed primarily at KS3 students and is expected to take between 1-2 hours to complete. Students are introduced to some of the main causes of this significant event of modern world history. The lesson can be delivered as a computer based research lesson or through a more traditional, classroom based lesson. In the computer based lesson students are directed to a series of informative websites and audio visual clips from which they can gather their information. In the traditional, classroom based lesson students use the information sheet resources to gather their information. The final task of the lesson requires students to demonstrate their learning through a choice of creative tasks which they must complete. This can include such things as creating a poem, song, role play or video. Responses from students so far has been excellent.

This lesson is one of a series of lessons created on the Second World War which I deliver to students at KS3. However, it is a great lesson that would also be ideal for students at KS2. The lesson begins with an engaging starter activity which introduces students to the Home Front and asks them to consider the hopes, fears and feelings of various fictional characters at the outbreak of the Second World War. Students then find out more about life on the Home Front either by following a traditional classroom based lesson using detailed information sheets, or as a computer based lesson which guides students to various websites and video clips from which they can gather their information. Students use their information to produce an A3 presentation piece on the home Front and finishes off by revisiting the starter activity to consider how different people in Britain were affected by the Second World War.

This lesson sets out to explain how Hitler set Germany on the road to the Second World War in 5 steps. Students are challenged to find out how and why was he able to defy the Treaty of Versailles so easily with little or no consequences (shown through a causal spider’s web). Students analyse video footage and a number of sources, using the COP technique (modelled for student understanding) which has proved invaluable for evaluating sources at GCSE. A final chronological recap of the events and evaluation of the most and least important of the events that led to war, will give students an in depth understanding of why World War 2 started. This lesson is ideal as preparation for GCSE if you are embedding source skills or teaching the interwar years or WWII at Key stage 4. It is enquiry based with a key question using a lightbulb posed at the start of the lesson and revisited throughout to show the progress of learning. The resource includes retrieval practice activities, suggested teaching strategies and differentiated materials and comes in PowerPoint format if there is a wish to adapt and change.

This is the twenty fourth lesson in the scheme of work for the AQA GCSE specification on the unit: Britain: Health and the people c.1000 to the present day. It is highly recommended that you use the GCSE textbook by Dale Banham for the lesson and the entirety of the scheme of work.

***SALE*** - this resource is on sale at a reduced price. Learning outcomes: describe what rationing consisted of. assess the methods by which rationing was ‘sold’ to the people of Britain. assess the relative significance of different aspects of the Home Front to people’s lives Lesson features differentiated learning objectives, a well-paced starter, main and plenary, and a focal on source evaluation, including the analysis of sources designed to encourage rationing. Lesson ties together series of three lessons on the Blitz, evacuation and rationing by asking students to compare the relative impact of these three events on Britain using Partington's model of historical significance.

This lesson examines the Blitz, a sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against Britain during World War II. Students will learn about the threats, how Britain adapted, and the concept of the Blitz Spirit. Activities include video analysis, completing worksheets on threats and adaptations, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the existence of the Blitz Spirit, supported by evidence from various sources. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss the Blitz and its significance during World War II. Create a spider diagram and add to it while watching a video on the Blitz. Threats: Identify and analyse the threats posed by Heinkel bombers, V1 rockets, and V2 rockets. Complete the ‘threats’ section on the Blitz worksheet using fact sheets. Adaptations: Discuss how Britain adapted to the bombings with bomb shelters, the London Underground, blackouts, barrage balloons, and the Royal Observer Corps. Complete the ‘adaptations’ section on the Blitz worksheet using fact sheets. Blitz Spirit: Examine the concept of the Blitz Spirit and its portrayal in history. Read through various sources and complete a table analysing whether the sources support the idea of a united Blitz Spirit. Writing Task: Write two PEEKA paragraphs, one arguing that there was a Blitz Spirit and one arguing that there was not. Use evidence from at least two sources to support each paragraph. Class Discussion: Share and discuss the paragraphs. Reflect on the impact of the Blitz on British society and whether the Blitz Spirit was a real phenomenon. Resources: Spider diagram template Video link on the Blitz Fact sheets on threats and adaptations Sources for Blitz Spirit analysis PEEKA paragraph guidelines From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills. To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website. Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount. Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store. Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you. Hope it helps. W

This lesson examines the Manhattan Project, the top-secret World War II initiative to develop the atomic bomb. Students will explore the project’s key events, scientific breakthroughs, and the impact of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, reading primary sources, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the ethical implications and the legacy of nuclear weapons. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss the Manhattan Project and its significance in World War II. Introduce today’s keywords: Atomic Bomb, Nuclear Fission, Los Alamos, Trinity Test, Robert Oppenheimer. Video Analysis: Watch a video on the Manhattan Project and its context within World War II. Write a 50-word summary using the provided keywords. Timeline Activity: Sort timeline cards into the correct chronological order, covering key events like the establishment of Los Alamos Laboratory, the Trinity Test, and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Scientific Discoveries: Read about the discovery of nuclear fission and its importance to the Manhattan Project. Discuss the roles of scientists like Enrico Fermi and Leo Szilard. Government Funding: Explain how massive financial support from the US government enabled the Manhattan Project’s success. Discuss the construction of secret laboratories and the procurement of rare materials. International Collaboration: Explore the collaboration between scientists from the United States, Britain, and Canada. Highlight the sharing of knowledge and expertise that was crucial for overcoming challenges. German Refugees: Discuss the contributions of German refugee scientists, including Albert Einstein and Edward Teller. Explain how their expertise advanced the project. Writing Task: Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining how the USA beat Nazi Germany to develop an atomic bomb. Use today’s keywords and the PEEKA planning sheet for guidance. Peer Assessment: Read through a partner’s essay and use the checklist to give feedback. Write a specific comment on how they can improve their history skills and writing. Class Discussion: Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs. Reflect on the ethical implications and the legacy of nuclear weapons. Resources: Video link on the Manhattan Project Timeline cards Reading materials on scientific discoveries, government funding, international collaboration, and German refugees PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet

This lesson examines the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), highlighting its significance as a precursor to World War II. Students will explore the conflict between Republicans and Nationalists, key events, and international involvement. Activities include analysing propaganda posters, guided reading on major speeches, and writing diary entries from George Orwell’s perspective. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the war’s impact on Spanish society and its broader implications. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss the Spanish Civil War, its causes, and its significance as a prelude to World War II. Watch a video for an overview of the conflict. Key Figures and Events: Examine the roles of key figures such as Francisco Franco and Manuel Azaña. Discuss the involvement of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy in supporting the Nationalists, and the USSR and International Brigades supporting the Republicans. Propaganda Posters: Analyse Nationalist and Republican propaganda posters. Discuss what each side aimed to communicate and how they tried to influence public opinion. Guided Reading Task: Read speeches by Francisco Franco, Manuel Azaña, Edward Knoblaugh, and George Orwell. Complete the ‘viewpoints’ worksheet by summarising each leader’s perspective on the war. What Happened at Guernica in 1937? Discuss the bombing of Guernica, the role of the Luftwaffe, and the impact of this event. Analyse Pablo Picasso’s painting “Guernica” and its depiction of the horrors of war. George Orwell’s Diary: Write diary entries from George Orwell’s perspective based on his experiences in the International Brigades. Use the hint sheets to help structure the diary entries and include key events and conditions of the fighting. Writing Task: Write an essay explaining the significance of the Spanish Civil War in the context of the rise of fascism and the lead-up to World War II. Use the PEEKA paragraph structure to organise arguments. Class Discussion: Share and discuss the diary entries and essays. Reflect on the impact of the Spanish Civil War on Spain and its broader implications for European politics. Resources: Video link on the Spanish Civil War Propaganda posters Guided reading texts and viewpoints worksheet Hint sheets for diary entries PEEKA paragraph guidelines

2 resources including a PowerPoint and worksheet with activities on the evacuation of children in the Second World War.

Please leave your email address on the review so I can send additional resources. This is a series of 6 lessons covering the causes of World War 2, key events and the lasting impact on British Civilians. Plan, resources and powerpoints attached including differentiation for LA and deeper level questioning for HA. It makes strong cross curricular links to Science, Literacy and Art.And also the current Covid 19 pandemic. Lesson 1: exploring the role of WW1 in creating a disgruntled and vulnerable Germany which allowed someone like Hitler to rise in power. Declaration of War linked to Covid Lesson 2: exploring key events of WW2 and stopping at Battle of Britain. The map shows visually just how many bombs were dropped during the air raids. Pupils explore the structural damage left behind. Art lesson: creating a collage of the structural damage. Lesson 3: as a result of the air raids, people were evacuated. Pupils listen to a journal from an evacuee and write their journal and discussing the 3 parts of an evacuation: journey to the countryside; being selected by their hosts and living in their new surroundings. Literacy links to Goodnight Mr Tom. Lesson 4: As a result of the Germans sinking British ships carrying food, there was a national food shortage. Therefore, Rationing had to be introduced. Pupils explore rationing books, the food items rationed (with a comparison to staple food items that they’d recognise now and visually showing a third of it - to show the allocation. Pupils create a food plan for WW2 and now and compare the two. Science links to Carbs, Proteins etc. Lesson 5: People had to be persuaded to stay at home, turn lights off, evacuate (similar to Covid) and this lesson explores the different propaganda posters during the WW2 and the message behind each. Lesson 6: Pupils look at features of an explanation text and summise the impact that WW2 had on British civilians from previous lessons. Task is to write an explanation text about that impact. Writing frame provided for LA and language phrases /tier 2 vocabulary included for everyone to include in their writing.

This resource explores Second World War poetry in the context of war poetry as a whole. It includes an analysis of Timothy Corsellis' poem &'Dawn After the Raid&'; and writing exercises to get students writing their own poems based on Timothy's structure. The resource supports Young Poets Network&'s annual Timothy Corsellis Prize.

Propaganda posters from the IWM collection looking at how the British Government encouraged people to help the war effort. All the images are available to download together as a PowerPoint. Visit the IWM website to find out more about IWM's free online learning resources http://www.iwm.org.uk/history/learning-resources

This activity is taken from MY UNCLE'S DUNKIRK by Mick Manning and Brita Granström (published by Franklin Watts in association with the Imperial War Museum). It explores the events at Dunkirk by comparing a holiday beach scene with a war zone. There is opportunity for plenty of cross curricular work, including history, geography and PSHE, as well as two worksheets to support the Pupils Writing Targets at Y 2, 3, 4 and 5.

A 10 lesson scheme of work which goes with my lesson by lesson resources on the Second World War to be used with KS3.